Happy Mother’s Day!
What thoughts do you have this holiday? Mothers, of course! Do loving memories of your days as a child with your mom or grandmother crop up? Or do you relish in admiring your daughters and daughters-in-law as young mothers? The latter always comes to mind as my house is full of grandchildren, and I’m so grateful for the loving care of their moms. But when the house is empty, I remember Mama. My mama. She not only modeled love and sacrifice but compassion for the worn-out hearts and bodies of young moms! In my moments of frazzled despair, she often reminded me that she prayed for our family by name every day. I still find comfort in that.
Peace
Many years ago, shortly after my father died, we took Mama to Fall Christian Camp with us. She felt so sympathetic towards all the young moms (me included), and she chuckled with bittersweet laughter. Instead of having a relaxing vacation, she watched us chase and comfort our wee ones. While I cared for two babes under two years, my husband, the weekend warrior, fatigued himself with archery, rock climbing, and boating with the six older kids. Still, Mama rescued me many times, so I had it easier than other moms. But I think she’d forgotten that she had it much harder when she raised us. We didn’t have to cook, clean, or do laundry the whole week! She never had a vacation like that. And at night, while hubby was in the gym sacrificing his body for basketball, ping-pong, and volleyball with the big kids, we relaxed in the quiet cabin with sleeping babes. I was exhausted but happy. It filled me with peace.
Hope
But a mom’s heart nurtures God’s precious children—forgetting our own hardships and seeking to soothe and console others. Indeed, the Lord had a perfect plan for the family when creating motherhood. What better example than God’s own heart of mercy, love, and sacrifice. But our sinful world has corrupted that, and many like my mother didn’t have such an example. Mama grew up in a divided family, and during and after WWII ravaged Okinawa, conditions were harsh. She lived in survival mode. But with a buried mustard seed of belief from pre-war Christian missionaries, her faith flourished later in life, and our family reaped her rededicated devotion to Christ. No matter the environment, our God reigns and triumphs. Today, I’m often encouraged when seeing those young mothers and grandmothers who invest in and cultivate the hearts of our children. I smile and often laugh when seeing moms, grandmoms, and children at the park, at church, and the beach. They fill me with hope.
Love
Recently, my daughter texted me to join her at the Baby Beach. Usually, my children leave me to my writing in the mornings, but I set it aside and hurried down. To my surprise, two of my daughters, one daughter-in-law, two sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren were there! A quick morning of fun in the sun before naptime. Like many moms from my generation, my mama modeled no-nonsense and hard work. But as a Grandmother, she modeled playtime. I’m reaping the benefits of her grandmotherly example, and thankfully, my daughter and daughters-in-law have a healthy balance of both! They fill me with love.
Do you have a fond memory? Could you share it with me in the comments below? I’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re celebrating with your mother, grandmother, your daughters, or daughters-in-law, or remembering fondly and missing someone special, I pray that the heart of motherhood from the Lord would comfort and fill you completely this Mother’s Day. Be filled with His peace, hope, and love. He loves you dearly.